Hidden gems: Inventery, small plates and cocktails in the Stockport suburbs

There’s ‘nout better than stumbling across a new bar or restaurant that makes an impression so instant that it quickly becomes one of your favourite spots.

Inventery is the latest name we’ve added to such a list, a neighbourhood bar and kitchen nestled in the suburbs of Cheadle Hulme, just down the road from the flourishing foodie hotspot of Stockport.

While cocktails are very much the venue’s bread and butter, recent menu development has seen Inventery add an array of delicious, globetrotting small plates.

A condensed-but-varied menu has allowed head chef Phil to maximise the flavours of each dish. Tried and tested sharing staples like Cod Croquettas and Burrata are served to perfection, while sumptuous Miso Chicken Thigh and mouthwatering Monkfish with an olive tapenade offer something a little more adventurous.

It was the Pork Belly with fennel and burnt onion that stood out in particular, though. Tender meat seared to perfection, effortlessly flaking away as it’s mopped through the welcome tang of the burnt onion gravy, all of this beneath a crispy crown of gorgeously bubbled crackling. The Chargrilled Hispi Cabbage coated in a pistachio dressing was also a sublime lighter option.

As we mentioned earlier, Inventery was originally built on cocktails, so it was little surprise that they seriously impress on this front. The ‘Twisted Classics’ section of the menu is particularly interesting, offering unique takes on shaken staples. Take the Marshmallow Marg — the usual flavours you’d expect from a mezcal-based margarita, only with toasted marshmallow syrup added, which bizarrely, works a treat.

Elsewhere, the Respect Your Elders offered a slight variation on your regular Whiskey Sour, combining West Cork Irish whiskey with fennel-infused St Germain and lemon. Again, a concoction that works marvellously.

A short stroll down from Cheadle Hulme train station, Inventery offers a cosy break away from the city centre without sacrificing on culinary pedigree or innovation. Get this spot added to your list.

Keep in the know

Be the first to hear about all the best events and news in Manchester.

Sign up